Form Your Alaska LLC for Free with Inc Authority

Our partner, Inc Authority, helps you form your LLC in Alaska for free, saving you the hassle of running around to find the various compliances you need to fulfill. Join over 250K businesses and benefit from their services today.

Start Your LLC with Inc Authority

1-Year Registered Agent Service Free

Inc Authority provides lots of free services alongside free business registration.

You’ll get free Registered Agent services for one year on both the free and paid plans.

There’s an option to expedite your filing process at an extra fee if you’re in a hurry to launch.

Things to Know Before Starting an LLC in Alaska

Alaska, like any other state, has its own set of regulations that you would need to be aware of before forming an LLC in the state. 

Here are a few that may be different from other states.

  • Alaska does not allow the formation of nonprofit and private limited liability companies. So if you want to form any of these businesses, you’d have to go the Corporation way.
  • Alaska LLCs file biennial reports to remain compliant. If you registered in an even-numbered year, you should file your report on 2nd January of every even-numbered year. The same goes for odd-numbered years. 
  • Filing biennial reports costs $100 for domestic LLCs. Businesses are allowed to start filing their biennial reports three months before the due date. Any reports filed after February 1st incur late fee charges. 
  • Alaska does not impose statewide sales and use tax. However, many local governments do, and it will vary depending on the county (usually 1%-7%). The sales tax is collected at the point of purchase.

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Choose a Name for Your Alaska LLC

The first step is to find a name for your Alaska LLC that’s catchy and reflects well on your brand and everything you’re trying to achieve. You’ll need to conduct a name search on the state website to make sure the names you come up with aren’t taken already.

It’s important to abide by Alaska state rules while choosing a name for your LLC. For instance, the name must contain the words Limited Liability Company or any of its abbreviations. The name must also not imply any affiliation with government bodies.

Choose a Name for Your Alaska LLC
Reserve your LLC Business Name

Reserve your LLC Business Name

This isn’t a compulsory step for every LLC. However, it’s important for those businesses that aren’t looking to start their paperwork immediately but are confident about their business name and want to reserve it.

Alaska allows you to reserve your business name for up to 120 days for which you’ll be charged a small fee (currently $25). You are allowed to renew this reservation twice. However, during renewal, you must include a statement of intent to start a business.

Make Sure There’s No Pre-existing Trademark

Before registering a firm under your chosen name, research existing trademarks to make sure there isn’t a conflict. Trademark infringement lawsuits can be devastating to your brand if it happens after you’ve already opened your business.

The state of Alaska will not research whether or not your business name is already trademarked, so you should. You can do so through a trademark attorney or by searching the website of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Make Sure There
Select Your Alaska Registered Agent

Select Your Alaska Registered Agent

Your Registered Agent will be tasked with receiving legal notices and other government correspondence on behalf of your business. They can either be an Alaska resident or a company authorized to conduct business in the state. But the company must be a Corporation and not any other business structure like an LLC or partnership.

You need a Registered Agent for your LLC to remain in good standing in Alaska. The agent must have a physical address in Alaska where your documents will be sent. Finally, they must be available at the address during all business hours.

File Your Articles of Organization

Next, you’ll need to fill out your Articles of Organization with the Alaska Division of Corporations to make your LLC legal. After 6 months, you’ll need to submit an Initial Report, then biennial reports thereafter. 

Your Articles of Organization should contain details such as your business name, Registered Agent details, the purpose of your business, and more. You can file the document online or by mail—either would cost $250.

File Your Articles of Organization
Assign Member Roles

Assign Member Roles

Your Articles of Organization will require that you decide whether you want your LLC to be member-managed or manager-managed. An LLC can either be managed by the owners or a third party.

If you and your fellow members decide that you want your LLC to be manager-managed, you’ll need to provide the name or names of appointed managers in the Articles of Organization. You’ll need to list them in your Alaska LLC Operating Agreement as well.

Create an Operating Agreement

This step is not legally required in Alaska but is very crucial for businesses. An Operating Agreement sets the tone for the business, stating rules and policies about how everything should be handled. 

Some items you could include in your Operating Agreement include establishing ownership percentages, assigning member responsibilities, LLC dissolution rules, and more. In the absence of this document, your LLC will be subject to default state laws.

Create an Operating Agreement
Apply for a Federal Employee Identity Number (EIN)

Apply for a Federal Employee Identity Number (EIN)

LLCs need to apply for a tax ID or EIN with the Internal Revenue Service. This is a nine-digit number that will act as your business’s social security number to uniquely identify it for tax purposes. 

An EIN is especially important if you plan on having employees work for you. You can apply for an EIN on the IRS website. Alternatively, if you find this too tedious, Inc Authority can handle the process for you at a fee.

Familiarize Yourself with State Taxes and Licenses

Besides federal pass-through tax, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with state taxes and licensing in Alaska. For instance, depending on the industry your business operates in, you’ll be required to pay taxes like Alcoholic Beverage Tax.

Alaska does not levy state-level sales or use tax. However, some local counties may levy their own. You’ll need to check out their Tax Department’s homepage or Tax Department’s Revenue Online portal for more information.

Familiarize Yourself with State Taxes and Licenses
Open a Business Bank Account

Open a Business Bank Account

Whether you’re running the business along with other members or by yourself, it’s important to separate your personal finances from business finances. This ensures your personal assets are secure in case of any business liability.

A business account also makes it easy for you to report your taxes. It also increases your business’s credibility amongst your customers, lenders, and investors. You’ll need an EIN when opening your business bank account.

Get a Web Domain Name

In today’s digital world, businesses need an online presence, and your Alaska LLC is no exception. A professional website helps you build credibility and makes it easier for prospects to find you. 

The first step will be to get a domain name for your business. Make sure your domain name matches your business name to make it easier to find your website. Be sure to include items like your physical location, hours of operation, social media pages, etc. on your website.

Get a Web Domain Name
File Your Biennial Reports

File Your Biennial Reports

Unlike most states that require businesses to file annual reports, Alaska requires their LLCs to file biennial reports. This means that you will need to file your report with the state’s Division of Corporations every two years.

The filing fee charged as of 2023 is $100 for all domestic LLCs and $200 for foreign LLCs. You can start filing your report on October 2nd with a deadline of January 2nd. A late fee is charged if you file your report late ($37.50 for domestic and $47.50 for foreign).

Why Outsource LLC Formation Instead of Doing it Yourself?

As depicted above, it may be daunting to start an LLC all by yourself, especially if you’re a first-timer. There are lots of documents involved and you’d need to familiarize yourself with state and county regulations. 

For this reason, you’d want to outsource your LLC formation. Here’s why you should choose Inc Authority for it.

Saves Time

Saves Time

By letting Inc Authority file your LLC registration paperwork, you’ll save time you would have otherwise spent finding information. Forming a business on your own can be tasking given all the items there are to track.

No Errors

Inc Authority provides expertise to help file all your paperwork. With their experience, they know their way around state fees, regulations, documents, and more. They’re unlikely to make errors that would jeopardize your process.

Great Experience

Great Experience

With an almost perfect score on Trustpilot, you can tell that Inc Authority is the chosen platform for most customers. You will be sure to experience great customer support if you choose the platform to form your business.  

Form Your Alaska LLC Today

Free Plan

In this package, you will have access to the following services:

  • LLC registration: Incorporating an LLC is Inc Authority’s primary service. This includes filing and submitting your Articles of Organization with Alaska’s Division of Corporations. 
  • Business name search: Inc Authority’s website features a free search tool where you can type out your proposed business name to determine if it’s already in use in your state.
  • Free registered agent: For one year, you’ll get free Alaska Registered Agent services. This means that you won’t have to worry about finding an eligible company to receive documents on your behalf. 
  • Digital document storage: Having all your Alaska LLC documents in one digital dashboard keeps them well organized and makes it easy to access them. It also ensures the safety of your important documents.
  • Tax advisory: To ensure you select the most advantageous tax structure for your Alaska LLC, and realize the most possible tax savings, Inc Authority will assign a tax expert to you.
  • S-Corp election: If you want your Limited Liability Company to be taxed as an S-Corporation, you must complete and file a federal S-election form. Inc Authority does this for you.
  • Business funding analysis: Inc Authority’s free plan includes business finance analysis as one of its many perks. Professionals will evaluate your financial needs and recommend reliable funding options.

The free plan includes most of what you need to form your business in Alaska. To get more specialized services, you’ll need to upgrade to the paid plans.

Fast Track Plan

Excellent Customer Ratings

Inc Authority has the highest customer ratings on Trustpilot compared to other business formation services. There are over 25K five-star ratings and an overall rating of 4.8 stars out of five.

One of the top items that Inc Authority customers appreciate is how responsive their support team is. Most reviews point to how knowledgeable the customer care representatives are and how all-inclusive and affordable Inc Authority’s services are.

Excellent Customer Ratings
Free formation services

Free Formation Services

Compared to most other business formation services, Inc Authority offers a generous free plan. This comes with lots of helpful features that will benefit your company, for instance, one-year free Registered Agent services.  

Other services include Inc CARE support, digital documents, name search, and more. With these free services, Inc Authority simplifies your business formation process and saves you money.

Experienced Professionals

Inc Authority’s team of specialized business formation experts has years of experience in assisting startups. For one, the business has been in practice for over 30 years, which goes a long way toward building trust in customers. 

For this reason, you can be sure that your formation will go smoothly. The team will also connect you with tax advisors, funding sources, credit experts, and other business providers that will help take your business to the next level.

Experienced Professionals
A La Carte Services

A La Carte Services

Another reason to choose Inc Authority is because of its extra services. Besides the free package and paid bundles, Inc Authority provides additional services that you can pay for separately at will.

This way, you get to pick only the services you need, as opposed to paying for bundled services and getting features you don’t need. These services include website marketing, trademark application, business plan analysis, and more.

FAQ

It costs $250 to file your Articles of Organization with Alaska’s Division of Corporations. This is what makes your LLC legal and you can register online or by mail. If you get your formation done through Inc Authority, you’ll only pay the state fees and everything else will be done for free.

In Alaska, you can apply for a business license online with the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. It costs $50 to maintain your Alaska business license.

For United States residents with a fixed location, the best state to start your LLC is your home state. This is because, regardless of how many tax benefits other states could afford you, starting an LLC outside your home state brings an additional layer of complexity. 

You’d have to keep up with tax levies in both the state where you reside and the state where you register. You’ll also be required to register as a foreign LLC in your state of operation, therefore paying filing fees twice.

Businesses with LLCs in different states may compare state tax benefits, incentives, laws, and filing fees. Some favorable options include Delaware, Wyoming, and Nevada.

Here are some benefits businesses get from forming an LLC in Alaska.

  • Alaska is amongst the few states that do not charge sales and use tax at the state level. Only some local governments charge sales tax.
  • Alaska LLCs are not subject to double taxation. They enjoy pass-through taxation, unlike Corporations.
  • Instead of having LLCs file and pay for annual reports, Alaska requires biennial reports which are filed every two years.

LLCs in Alaska are subject to pass-through taxation at the federal level. This means that tax obligations pass to the owners and they report them on their personal income tax returns. The state does not levy sales or income tax, but the local municipalities may. 

Alaska also imposes industry tax on some industries such as alcohol and beverage, fisheries business, gaming, cigarette and tobacco, etc.